Socotra Cisticola

Striking large black-and-white wader with a thin, straight bill and bright pink legs, found in wetlands with open shallow water throughout much of Africa and Eurasia, often in brackish habitats. Some populations are migratory, departing northerly breeding grounds for warmer southern regions. Often forms noisy colonies on bare ground near water. Essentially unmistakable throughout much of its range, but compare with Pied Stilt in parts of Southeast Asia. Feeds by wading in water, picking from the water surface with its needle-like bill. In flight, long pink legs stick out far beyond the tail. Calls loudly and stridently, especially when alarmed during the breeding season.

Tiny flycatcher of humid forest and woodland in tropical lowlands. Inconspicuous, mainly foraging at low to mid-levels in forest interior and edge, where flits from perch to perch and then sits still. Heard far more often than seen: common call a low, frog-like churr. Overall plumage color and pattern much like many flycatchers, but note its tiny size, ‘broken-nose’ bill profile, pale eyes, and relatively long, thin, pale pinkish legs.

A chunky mid-sized goose. Standing bird looks fairly dull, gray and dirty white, sometimes showing blue along the edge of the wing. Flying bird shows pale blue and iridescent green patches in the upperwing and a white patch on the underwing. Found in montane wetlands and adjacent grasslands, often in pairs or small groups, occasionally in large flocks. Less colorful and boldly marked than other similarly-sized waterfowl species. The calls are high-pitched whistles and yelps.